Field Trip Cafe (not to be confused with
the music and arts fest
) is a gem of a place hidden a bit up Westmoreland off Bloor in
Bloorcourt
. Co-owners Angela Brock and Ian Cameron have taken over the space that was formerly
El Cafecito
and converted it into the cafe and bar they've both always wanted.

Filled with natural light, this bright and airy spot has a homey vibe: succulents and other plants can be found all around, along with hanging Edison bulbs, a white brick backsplash, copper piping and wood shelving that Brock and Cameron installed themselves.

WiFi access makes this a welcoming space for freelancers, and a nice-sized licensed, west-facing patio is a nice bonus feature (and a sweet reward for a hard day's work).

Like many of the products offered here, the name of this cafe and bar came about organically; the two liked that it evoked images of a farm and fresh ingredients (in keeping with this, Field Trip is a Fresh City Farms pick-up point), and they embarked on field trips themselves when going around to research other cafes.

It was also inspired by the idea of an old-school classroom, with green chalk boards displaying the menu, as Cameron feels it's the third best day of school: "First is a PA Day, second is the last day and third is a field trip." (Clearly, he didn't seem to be a big fan of being in class.)

Both Brock and Cameron previously worked at
Merchants of Green
, so they know their coffee. A choice of single origin beans from
Velvet Sunrise
are brewed to order in a precise manner using a French press-like steep-and-filter method ($2.38/12oz. cup). "We're coffee nerds but we just want to make things simple and yummy," says Brock.

A nice selection of fairtrade organic, loose leaf teas ($2.38 each) come from North York's
Whole World
and house-made organic ginger green tea lemonade ($3.75) as well as Owl & Goose cold-pressed juices are available as coffee alternatives.

Organic, freshly baked country-style bread from
Prairie Boy
are used to make toast spread with butter ($1.75) or
Stasis Preserves
jam ($2.50), and are for sale by the loaf ($6.50). They're also used for house-made sandwiches ($5.50-$7.35) that are prepared fresh daily - the day we visit, a smoked meat on rye sammy offers a taste of Montreal with Moishes pickles.

There is always a veggie or vegan option (when we're there it's a house-made hummus and avocado sandwich), and a late night menu is in the works. Baked goods ($2-$3.75), which also include vegan and gluten-free options, come from
Sliced
.

As for alcohol, the focus is on beer and whiskey. Beer-wise, there are currently two options on draught - Beau's Lug Tread and
Liberty Village Brewing Co.'s
504 Pale Ale ($7 each) - with plans to add more taps in the near future.